Bhubaneswar: In a bid to curb traffic violations and ensure road safety, the Odisha Transport Department has launched a state-wide special enforcement drive. However, the first day’s enforcement action targeted juvenile drivers, resulting in the issuance of 153 chalans and the seizure of 60 vehicles.
The drive, which includes rigorous inspections across 38 regional transport offices, aims to leave no stone unturned in penalizing those flouting traffic rules.
According to reports, the Khordha district saw a total of 21 chalans being issued, with 11 under Bhubaneswar-2 RTO, 7 under Bhubaneswar-1 RTO, and 3 under Khordha ARTO. Kalahandi district followed close with 12 chalans and 4 vehicles seized.
Similarly, 10 chalans were issued in Cuttack, 8 in Koraput, and 7 each in Ganjam and Rayagada. Additionally, 7 vehicles were seized in Rayagada, 6 each in Rourkela and Bolangir, and 5 each in Balasore and Sonepur. In Kalahandi, 4 vehicles were seized, 3 each under Talcher, Angul, Bhubaneswar-1, and Khordha ARTO.
As per the report, the department carried out inspections at key points near schools and colleges. Many students, who were underage driving and did not possess a driving license, were found riding bikes and scooters to educational institutions. The inspection teams caught these juvenile drivers under Section 199(A) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. This law allows for a fine of ₹25,000 against the parents or vehicle owners of juvenile drivers, and in some cases, even up to 3 years of imprisonment. The law also allows for the seizure of vehicles.
The Transport Department’s decision to launch a special drive came after a tragic accident caused by a juvenile driver in Pune created a nationwide uproar. Subsequently, the involved driver’s parents were jailed.
Concerned over underage driving, the State Transport Authority initiated a special enforcement drive. The Authority has requested all parents and educational institutions to take serious measures to prevent juvenile driving. This enforcement will continue in the coming days, said State Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur.
The enforcement will not be limited to juvenile driving but will also cover fitness, helmets, seat belts, speeding, and drunken driving issues. Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena previously directed to take strict measures to reduce road accidents, and the State Transport Authority is taking steps in this regard, sources said.
